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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. Veronica Burton Named 2025 Most Improved Player 🏀
The WNBA announced Monday that Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton is the 2025 KIA Most Improved Player. She earned 68 of 72 votes from a national media panel. (USA Today)
WHY IT MATTERS: Burton’s story is one of perseverance. Drafted No. 7 overall in 2022 by Dallas, she was waived two years later and spent a season with Connecticut before Golden State grabbed her in the expansion draft. Known primarily for her defense, she leveled up her offensive game this year and became the heartbeat of the Valkyries’ historic playoff run.
Her leap was massive: Burton averaged 11.9 points (nearly 4x her previous career high), 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks — leading the team in nearly every statistical category.
2. Elena Delle Donne Named First Managing Director of USA 3×3 🇺🇸
Two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist Elena Delle Donne has been named the first-ever managing director of the USA Women’s 3×3 national team. (USA Basketball)
WHY IT MATTERS: In this newly created role, Delle Donne will select players and coaching staff for major international competitions, including the 2028 Olympics in LA and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. It’s a big change from the past, when committees handled team selection.
USA’s women’s 3×3 team took gold in the event’s Olympic debut in Tokyo, then bronze in Paris. With Delle Donne steering the program, the goal is clear: get back to the top of the podium.
3. 2025 Was the Most Watched WNBA Season Ever 👀
ESPN reported Monday that the 2025 WNBA regular season averaged 1.3 million viewers across 25 games, up 6% from last year. (ESPN Press Room)
WHY IT MATTERS: The growth is especially striking considering several of the league’s biggest names — such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Breanna Stewart — all missed significant time due to injuries. Fans kept showing up anyway.
ABC’s 12 broadcasts this season averaged 1.43 million viewers, a 13% jump from 2024. Even with some of the stars sidelined, the appetite for the WNBA continues to grow.
Gear up for the playoffs
The WNBA Store just released official 2025 Playoff tees for all 8 postseason teams. Whether your squad makes a deep run or not, it’s the perfect way to mark the moment and rep their achievement.
*When you buy through this link, 30 Second Timeout may earn a commission. If you do, THANK YOU!
OVERTIME ⏱️
Well-Represented: See which colleges have the most players on 2025 WNBA playoff rosters.
Opening Up: Courtney Williams gets personal in a The Player’s Tribune essay.
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